On Wednesday, Collier abruptly exited a video call with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, and other high-profile Democratic figures after learning that what she was doing might actually be a felony under Texas law.
The Call That Sparked a Firestorm
The virtual meeting was part of a larger strategy session on redistricting—a hot-button issue that’s set the political world ablaze as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of congressional maps ahead of the next election cycle. The Texas House of Representatives was actively debating a redistricting bill backed by President Donald Trump at the time of the call.
Collier, a state representative from Fort Worth, joined the meeting to voice her opposition to the measure, which she argued violated the Voting Rights Act by disenfranchising minority voters.
“They’re cracking and packing these districts,” she said, claiming the maps were designed to “prevent Black and Brown individuals from selecting the candidates of their choice.”
Then Came the Bombshell
Roughly 30 minutes into the meeting, everything changed.
“Sorry, I have to leave. They said it’s a felony for me to do this,” Collier suddenly announced, visibly flustered as she adjusted her camera.
She went on to explain that under Texas House rules, participating in an outside political strategy call while on the House floor—or even in the Capitol building—could constitute a criminal offense.
Incredibly, Collier admitted she was attempting to stay connected by using a Capitol bathroom as her makeshift meeting room.
“You told me I was only allowed to be here in the bathroom,” she said before cutting the feed. “No, hang on. Bye everybody. I’ve got to go.”
And just like that, Collier was gone.
The Reaction Was Immediate
Her dramatic exit left other Democrats stunned. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) immediately jumped in, framing the situation as an attack on democratic norms and racial justice.
“That is outrageous,” Booker said. “Rep. Collier in the bathroom has more dignity than Donald Trump in the Oval Office.”
Gov. Newsom agreed, saying, “There you go,” as Booker continued:
“What we just witnessed—saying it’s illegal for her to be in the bathroom on this call—that’s the lengths they’re going to in Texas. This is about silencing an American leader, silencing a Black woman. And that is outrageous.”
The Larger Battle Over Redistricting
The chaos on the call was just the latest twist in Texas Democrats’ long-running fight against Republican-backed redistricting efforts.
Weeks earlier, dozens of Democratic lawmakers made national headlines when they fled the state to block the measure by denying the Texas House a quorum. Gov. Greg Abbott responded by authorizing their arrest should they return, sparking a standoff that lasted for more than two weeks.
When Democrats finally came back, they faced tightened security protocols, tracking measures, and reports of near-constant surveillance from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Lawmakers said they were sometimes required to sign permission slips just to leave the building.
California Fires Back
As Texas Republicans advanced their plan—expected to give the GOP five additional congressional seats—California Democrats quickly countered. Gov. Newsom announced on Friday that his state’s new map would eliminate five Republican seats in California, potentially canceling out the Texas gains.
These moves underscore the escalating partisan arms race over congressional representation—a fight that could determine the balance of power in Washington for the next decade.
Bottom Line: A Viral Moment With Big Stakes
Rep. Collier’s bathroom call wasn’t just an embarrassing viral moment—it was a glimpse into the high-pressure, high-stakes battle happening behind the scenes. Democrats and Republicans are both willing to push the limits of legality, logistics, and even personal dignity to gain an edge.
For Collier, the question remains: Will her bathroom break become a rallying cry—or a political punchline?
